On Friday, November 9, United Way of Smith County’s Nonprofit Development Center will present its first Bright Ideas for Success Conference from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The Conference will offer 23 professional development sessions for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members and volunteers.

An awards luncheon will be held in conjunction with the conference. Author Paul Vitale will present the luncheon keynote, “Energize the Enthusiasm that Exists Within.” Mr. Vitale will also offer a special Super Session entitled “It’s Your Life, Dominate It,” following the luncheon.

Paul Vitale travels worldwide speaking to organizations about the importance of a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and other concepts vital in today’s society. Vitale has authored the bestselling books Are You Puzzled by the Puzzle of Life?;Sell with Confidence; and Pass It On. He has been featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, and is a regular on talk shows.

During the luncheon, United Way board chair, Joey Seeber will present Nonprofit Development Center awards to businesses and individuals who have supported the nonprofit sector in East Texas.

The Founders Award will be presented to Fourth Partner, for its part in establishing the Nonprofit Development Center and exemplifying the founding principle of the Nonprofit Development Center, which is “fostering excellence in nonprofits.

Brookshire Grocery Company will receive The Corporate Citizen Award, presented to a person or corporation that embodies charity as part of their corporate or personal mission and exemplifies the founding principle of the Nonprofit Development Center.

Marilyn Abegg will receive the NDC Chairman’s Award for her visionary leadership of the Nonprofit Development Center’s Advisory Committee and Leadership Council since 2006.

United Way of Smith County improves the lives of Smith County residents by supporting programs that address the most critical needs in our community. United Way is focused on education programs that will reduce the dropout rate and strengthen our local employee base; assisting families to become financially stable through employment, affordable housing and financial literacy; promoting healthy choices and healthy lifestyles; and supporting crisis intervention for our most vulnerable residents and their families. For more information about our local United Way and how you can get involved, visit our website at www.unitedwaysmithcounty.org.

About The Nonprofit Development Center

The Nonprofit Development Center is a program of United Way of Smith County. The Center provides nonprofit management training and consulting services with the goal of helping East Texas Nonprofits become more effective and efficient in serving clients. The Nonprofit Development Center infuses nonprofits with ideas and resources to produce engaged boards, skilled staff, and focused volunteers.